Curt's Best Shots Slideshow

Thursday, December 9, 2010

17 days until Christmas!!!!! AAAAHHHHHHHHH LOL Is that how you feel too??? OMGosh I can't believe it. Next thing you know we will be showing off our Easter cards! Where does the time go???

Have you ever had someone make a comment to you that made you feel so good about yourself that it stuck with you? A neighbor lady across the street stopped me a few weeks ago and asked "Are you working any craft shows??" I replied that I wasn't and asked why. She said "Darn it! I wanted to buy some of your stuff." I was so flattered. So, I wanted to make something for her as a gift. I'm excited to show you what I came up with.

I revamped and mingled many different ideas that I've seen online to come up with my own twist. I wanted to make several Christmas gift tags and a holder for them to present to her. Here is what I created:

This is the packaging for the tags as it looks closed ready to give. Kinda reminds you of a little present with a wild spiky bow on top doesn't it? When you remove the belly band, this is what you find inside:

The ones I kept finding online were only four panels, so I designed mine to have a total of six. When it is stretched completely out it measures 18" long! There are two each of six different tags. I decorated the pocket of each panel to kind of go with the theme of the tags it holds. Here are the tags:

The little envelopes were created with an envelope punch. I created the little "letter to Santa" in Word. The background writing is embossed with white ep. Here is the next:

I stamped these Hero Arts pine cones then colored them with pencils, stamped the greeting and cut them out with my Nesties. Made the tiny bows with my Bow Easy. Here is the next tag:

Pretty self explanatory. The stamp here is Stampabilities. Here is the next:

This wreath stamp is by Cloud 9 Design. I stuck little "berries" on the wreath and then the little bows I made. Here's the next set:

I altered the shape of the Nestie die I used for this tag because it was too wide to fit into the pocket. Kinda has an odd shape, but it worked! The snowflakes in the background are by Cloud 9 Design and the ones that are popped up are a MS punch with Stickles on them. Here's the last set:

My fun little gingerbread men are from Stampabilities too. I just love these little guys. Here is a shot of the whole set of tags:

This was a blast to make. It really is a surprise, because when it is folded up, it is really small. It is really surprising that it holds 12 tags and measures 18" long. I hope she likes it.

My last card to show you tonight is my endeavor to find an easy card to make. This one was fairly easy, but still not what I'm looking for and I'm running out of time! Take a look:

I usually don't do Christmas cards out of the "norm" colors, but I love kraft paper and I love red with it. I punched the snowflake out using my Nesties, added the red and white "Merry Christmas" tiny print paper behind it, then added faux stitching around the panel (my first attempt at faux stitching I might add). Layered it all onto a kraft sheet embossed with a folder then rubbed with white craft ink from Stampin Up. What do you think? I got the idea for this card from several similar ones on SCS.

OK, that is it. So busy and there doesn't seem to be enough hours in the day. I swear I don't know how I did everything I did when I was working full time! Here is the "Pic of the Week":

I took this photo the other day while walking the boys. This "fungus" was pure snow white and looked so stark against the dead wood and all the grey coloring of their surroundings. Plus I thought it was cute that they were a "couple". LOL I'm such a dork!

OK, thanks for coming by. I really apologize for not getting to your blogs yet this week, but I'm on my way, don't you worry your pretty little heads. I love coming by to see what you have all been up to.

WOW!!! Wish I was your neighbour. I would totally buy those tags.Love your pic of the week too! I have just been blessed with two (from different daughters) grandchildren this last week, so pop on over and come and meet the new babies.

First comment, yeah! More cheers for all those bright festive gift tags housed for surprise in a belly band! Nice! Knowing what to give someone is so destination oriented. Your neighbor will be tickled green and red when she has a refill come her way! Keep Looking UP!More later on this week.mt23stamperatyahoo

I cannot sleep so I can to your blog to see what was new....... how much do I LOVE the tag holder you made..... LOVE LOVE LOVE it!!! As much as the tags you put inside. That gingham ribbon is so rustic and perfect. I love the snowflake card too with the sewing and cutout. GREAT WORK CURT!!! Oh I have to cut it short Ava just started crying!!! Have a great week!!

OH MY GOSH.Curt,i am sat here open mouthed (not a pretty sight LOL)your talents are endless.You amaze me every time.I love this gift and if she doesn't, then she is certainly not worthy of it hee hee.It is absolutely STUNNING.Love the card too,i love that paper.The pic of the week is brilliant and see what you mean about it could be a "couple" you ol softie.Hope all well and that the big furry boys are behaving.Hugs x

Curt, Your faux stitching is better than my sewing! LOL! I love the card, looks great with out of the norm colors. What a great idea for the gift, I love the gift tags, my favorite is the Dear Santa. This one made me smile. I am sure you neighbor is going to love her surprise.You will have to tell us her reaction.

Curt! That tag holder and its tags is pure genius! I love it! Please consider doing a tutorial on how you created it. Is it a 12 x 12 or just a regular 8.5 x 11? (for the holder). Wonderful! And great variety of tags. Why wouldn't she love it? And if she wants to buy your things, maybe it's time you create an Etsy shop. ;)

I love the second card as well. It's old-fashioned... a classic. Great faux stitching, too! You should get yourself a Sew Mini. I was TERRIFIED of getting one, but it really isn't that hard. For somebody as talented as you, it would be worthwhile.

Great pic of the week. I think they make a cute couple. She like being with him because he's such a fungi to party with.

Hey Curt!Great job on the tags & holder!That pinecone stamp is the bomb!I've made the tag holder (4 panels) and didn't like it, it IS way better with the belly band....I like the card too. The colors are just right, and the faux stitching looks great!The white fungus is cool!

Those tags and the gift holder you made are wonderful! Each tag is beautiful and this will be so appreciated by your neighbor. The Christmas card is beautiful also. Kraft is one of my favorite colors to use at this time of year. It looks so pretty with the reds and greens of the season. Have a great week!

This is just so darn cute and I had to laugh when I seen the 1st picture and the spiky ribbon- wasn't sure where this post would go! LOLOh my goodness I love those tags, each one is cuter then the next!I like the idea of using Kraft paper on a great card also.I just finished addressing Christmas cards last night-phew! I have gotten out 71 and hope I didn't miss anyone. Now back to baking

Curt, those tags and the holder are brilliant - I just love it! I may have to steal this idea as it's a perfect gift for my kids' teachers!! Something that they can actually use! And your card is simply gorgeous - I will be casing that one too .... I've missed visiting your blog!! Once the mad rush of christmas has been & gone I hope my regular routine can start up again!Hugs, Danielle x

OMG Curt - what a fantastic project and what a nice thing to do for your neighbor. Can I move in to your neighborhood? I love that red and kraft card too - just gorgeous. I am feeling about the same as you - yikes it came up fast this year and me with the 5 grandchildren and NO shopping done yet. Hang in there - we'll both survive somehow! All the best to Jay and the boys and I hope your holiday season is just chock full of wonderfulness! ~chris

Curt, you must be the most thoughtful man in the world (now don't any one take offense), you always seem to be thinking of others and what you can do for them. Your family is so lucky to have you. Your tags are wonderful and your faux stitching, looks perfect to me.

Ha! You had me at the wild, spiky bow! What a nice gesture, to make this wonderful gift for your neighbor! Of course, we all know how thoughtful you are! I'd love your directions for the tag holder. The pine cone tags are my favorite - they are all gorgeous, though! And your card is perfect! You faux stitch wonderfully! I nearly cracked up at your 'couple' photo, and nearly choked on my coffee when I read Ted's comment about the 'fungi' to party with! lol... I think I'd better run over and follow him too! Hope your appointments all went well on Monday :) Hug those cute pooches for me! Take care...

Curt, your neighbor will love the set of tags (and what's not to love)!!! And I be she will tell everyone who gets one of the tags on their gifts, that you made them for her! Very thoughtful and so YOU.

I want to be your neighbor...I want to be your neighbor...LOL....but really you are such a great guy to have for a neighbor...we need more like you!!! I love the tag gift set concept....the tags are beautiful...and so neat how all those ribbons "explode" right out the top....fun!!! I have a great big smile seeing the Xmas pic of the boys...wish I get get Nellie to pose like that! I made 5 Xmas cards in 10 minutes.....take a peek...my friend is coming over Saturday so she can make some to send...no layers...no extra shipping charge.....perfect!

Wowie, Curt - these tags and their special holder are just FABULOUS!!! Your neighbor will be blown away by this gift - you are so creative!

I love how you used different nesties to cut some of the tags. They really look great done that way!

But the icing on the cake is the card! Oh My Goodness! It's absolutely perfect! I love how the red peeks through the snowflake punch - and the stitching is just the right touch. Lightening up the embossing part is subtle but very important effect - the card is just so EXCELLENT! I've stashed a copy of the photo in my special Curt O'Brien Inspiration folder!

Oh I wish I was your neighbor! That is a wonderful gift.I love the card too. What a great idea to put the print behind the snowflake. How did you ever get the puppies to sit with those outfits? So very cute.Have a wonderful weekend.Hugs,Linda

CurtI'm with Ted. I think you should do a tutorial on the holder.Your neighborS are very lucky to have such a thoughtful, talented, and sweet person in their midst. You did a great job on first time faux stitching. This whole post is inspiring. Your pic of the week is stunning.Myrna

I have seen the tag holders but I like yours so much better. The tags are adorable! Your neighbor is a lucky lady! Maybe you should do a craft show...what the heck? I am so lovin' that pinecone image on that tag! I love your Christmas card. I thought the stitching was real...LOL...great job! I also like kraft and red together.

Beautiful tags! I'm sure she will love them. I really like the snowflake card, too. It wouldn't be that hard to do if you left off the embossing folder inking pare and maybe just used some patterned paper instead. I love the faux stitching - nice touch.

Curt I am casing that gift taq set for sure for my shows next year!!! Hey you should think about doing the shows! I am going to try to make a few things each month starting in January so I don't get burned out..It is a lot of work but a lot of fun too! You meet a lot of great people!

Oh my goodness...there's a fungus among us..or two of them! It really is a pretty photo- the poor little things are covered in snow now. I love your tag set. If I received this, I'd probably stash it, so I could keep it for myself, instead of sharing the tags. Selfish, huh? I'd at least save one of each tag. Is that any better?:) I really like your snowflake card too! Wonderful details! Kathy

Hi CURT, great FUN tags. How sweet of you! And that faux stitching is FB!! It almost floored me ya know. I mean, I thought for a second that you had ventured out to real life serious SEWING on your cards too!! Ive been trying to do that and to teach myself and learn how-to for 2 years now. Well, 2 times in the last 2 years. heheh. Have a brand new machine that my DH got me 3 Christmases ago. Ive only used it 2 times because i got so frustrated with learning how to thread it and then - when I finally did, the thread ran out of the whole bobby thingy!!! I had to pull the cover-caps off and it just threw me off completely!! Anyways, thats the last that machine saw me! LOL! It sits high on a shelf where I can see it but dont dare go near it!! I need a REAL special sewing machine that threads itself and bobs itself, or, just doesnt have the bobber-thingy-magijs and does all the mechanical work on its own!! LOL! Any suggestions??? :)

Ok enough of that!! Dont know what it is, but there is something about coming to your SPECIAL blog that makes me want to ramble on and on and on .... heheh (dont do this anywhere else, just usually keep it short and sweet). :) SO THAT says something wonderful about YOU my friend!!!!

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About Me

Gay male with a life partner of 27 years. My partner (Jay) was diagnosed with MS about 15 years ago and I now am a stay at home caregiver for him. Besides Jay, a big part of my world revolves around my Giant Schnauzer Gunther who is 9. I also am an amateur digital photographer. I've been paper crafting now for just over 5 years. I spend lots of time on card making and my sweet dog. My main post is every Wednesday, and it is called "The Wednesday Evening Post". In it, I try to share not only my cards, but tips, tricks, and techniques that I've picked up along the way. I love having you here! Thanks for coming! Best, Curt